Replacement meter going backwards with solar panels, again - why?!
Best answer by Lucy_OVO
Updated on 15/08/25 by Abby_OVO
Sorry to hear that your replacement meter is experiencing the same problem and clocking backwards due to your solar panels.
This is a meter fault that can occur when you’ve got solar panels and an older meter, you can read more about this on our meter fault guide. As you mention having a recent traditional meter replacement it’s rare that the issue has re-occurred and it might be worth contacting your solar panel installer to check that the installation is wired up correctly to your meter.
As your meter is no longer clocking your usage accurately, reach out to our Support Team to arrange a faulty meter replacement. We understand the hesitancy in going smart but would encourage you to check out our guides to common smart meter myths and the full benefits of going smart. By upgrading to a smart meter with your meter replacement. Your meter will also be able to track you export readings, find out more about taking these readings here.
We’ve also got a similar topic on the Forum which may be helpful:
Need to speak to the team about anything else FiT/SEG related?
If you need to speak to our team about your Feed-in Tariff you can call 0330 102 7421 Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm or email via fits@ovoenergy.com.
If you need to speak to us about your Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) you can call 0330 102 7421 Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm or email via seg@ovoenergy.com.
OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!
Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!
Updated on 15/08/25 by Abby_OVO
Sorry to hear that your replacement meter is experiencing the same problem and clocking backwards due to your solar panels.
This is a meter fault that can occur when you’ve got solar panels and an older meter, you can read more about this on our meter fault guide. As you mention having a recent traditional meter replacement it’s rare that the issue has re-occurred and it might be worth contacting your solar panel installer to check that the installation is wired up correctly to your meter.
As your meter is no longer clocking your usage accurately, reach out to our Support Team to arrange a faulty meter replacement. We understand the hesitancy in going smart but would encourage you to check out our guides to common smart meter myths and the full benefits of going smart. By upgrading to a smart meter with your meter replacement. Your meter will also be able to track you export readings, find out more about taking these readings here.
We’ve also got a similar topic on the Forum which may be helpful:
Need to speak to the team about anything else FiT/SEG related?
If you need to speak to our team about your Feed-in Tariff you can call 0330 102 7421 Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm or email via fits@ovoenergy.com.
If you need to speak to us about your Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) you can call 0330 102 7421 Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm or email via seg@ovoenergy.com.
OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!
Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!
Derek
We'll need to arrange to have the meter exchanged - however there would be a charge of £53 to do this.
To get this sorted, just give our Customer Care team a call on 0330 303 5063, they're available Monday-Friday 8am-6pm.
Eva
I've moved your post over here as it seems to be a similar issue. Meters can sometimes start clocking backwards with solar panels, but we can get it replaced for you.
Give the team a call, as advised by
Cheers!
We have solar panels fitted and are linked in with FIT. Our electricity readings are less and less. When does this get rectified?
Did you get this sorted?
If your meter is running backward then it’s doing you a favour. If you have notified your supplier that the meter runs backwards then you have done your part, whether they take action to resolve it is down to them.
It’s hugely beneficial to you if the meter runs backwards as it means you’re essentially able to use every bit of solar energy you generate which is what most people need a battery for. If your installation is MCS certified then it should already include a generation meter that’s separate to your normal electricity meter and shows how much you have generated.
The issue with a meter running backwards is that a customer isn’t able to be affectively billed for their usage. For most set ups there would be a seperate generation meter that a customer would get a payment for from either SEG or FiT 😊
The issue with a meter running backwards is that a customer isn’t able to be affectively billed for their usage. For most set ups there would be a seperate generation meter that a customer would get a payment for from either SEG or FiT 😊
I agree. But if the customer has informed their supplier and the supplier takes no action then that’s not the customer’s problem. Things may have changed now as the reply above was 6 years ago but I would certainly object to paying £53 to replace my meter when the suppliers are under an obligation to fit smart meters for free.
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